Centrelink Text Message Scam — What Australians Should Watch For
A text claims to be from Centrelink or Services Australia saying your payment is at risk or you need to update your details through a link. Services Australia may send texts, but they will never include links to log in or ask for personal details via SMS. This scam targets vulnerable Australians who depend on government payments.
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How This Scam Works
Critical Risk — Services Australia Never Sends Links by Text
Services Australia (Centrelink) may send texts, but they will never include links to log in or ask for personal details via SMS.
Note: This scam typically arrives via text message, not email. If you received a suspicious email, forward it to check@scam.support for a free risk assessment. For text scams, report to Scamwatch — see all reporting agencies.
A text claims to be from Centrelink or Services Australia saying your payment is at risk or you need to update your details through a link. The link leads to a fake myGov login page that steals your credentials. This scam specifically targets vulnerable Australians who depend on government payments including the Age Pension, JobSeeker, and Disability Support Pension.
According to the ACCC's Scamwatch, government impersonation scams are consistently among the most reported scam types in Australia. In 2023, Australians reported over $2.74 billion in total scam losses.
Red Flags
- Text includes a link — Services Australia does not send links by SMS
- Claims your payment will stop unless you verify your details
- Directs you to a myGov login page that is not my.gov.au
- Creates urgency about your benefits being suspended
- Asks for personal details like your CRN or tax file number
What You Should Do
What To Do
- Do not tap the link in the text
- Log into myGov directly at my.gov.au to check your account
- Call Services Australia directly on 132 850
- Report the text to Scamwatch
- Contact IDCARE (1800 595 160) if you shared personal information